Chapter Nine: The Battles of Valor, Part One

After months of planning and preparations, almost a year after the initial proposal, the Games of All finally reopened. However, Inísel's original vision had been radically transformed. What was once a peaceful celebration of unity and sports had now become a stage for violence. The Shántruk, influenced by his advisors, decided to use the games as a means to entertain his people and rid himself of criminals who had committed treasonous acts against his rule.

The amphitheater was packed, and the atmosphere buzzed with the crowd’s anticipation. The citizens’ clamor filled the air; every corner of the venue was occupied by people eager to witness the bloody new competitions. In the royal box, adorned with golden and purple banners, Inísel sat beside her husband, the Shántruk. Next to her was her closest handmaid, Isra, always attentive and ready to serve.

Inísel watched the scene from her throne, her gaze darkened by a mix of sadness and anger. The amphitheater’s stands resonated with cheers and applause as the citizens of Erial celebrated the changes with an almost savage enthusiasm. What had once been an event to honor peace and cooperation had turned into a macabre spectacle, where death loomed in every match. The faces in the crowd, illuminated by excitement, stood in stark contrast to Inísel’s somber expression.

She looked at her husband with a mixture of sadness and frustration. In the royal box were the nobles, representatives from other cities of La Kvin Urboj, and merchants from Erial, including her parents. They had come thanks to the Shántruk’s efforts and her father Reynard Zendel’s connections, seeing this as an opportunity to gather and strike agreements.

In kune: "Via Shántruk, ĉi tio ne estas la solvo, kiun mi atendis por nia popolo... (Your Shántruk, this is not the solution I expected for our people…)," said Inísel in a low but firm voice. In kune: "Ne estas la maniero helpi ilin fari ĉion pli bona. Perforto nur alportas pli da perforto, nia popolo devas memori, ke ne ĉio estas krueleco kaj furiozo (It is not the way to help them make everything better. Violence only brings more violence, our people need to remember that not everything is cruelty and fierceness)."

Theodric, seated beside her, looked at her with an expression of patience.

In kune: "Mia Valkúr... (My Valkúr…)," he responded softly. In kune: "Mi scias, ke vi volis, ke la Ĉiuj Ludoj estu kiel ili ĉiam estis ekzercitaj en Sabla Urbo. Sed vi ankaŭ devas kompreni, ke ni devas adapti ilin al ĉies gustoj. La aliaj urboj praktikas pli perfortajn sportojn, kaj la Ĉiuj Ludoj ne estus rigardataj kun la sama fervoro, kiel ili estas sentataj en nia urbo. Krome, ĉi tio estas la plej bona solvo por nia nuna situacio. La plendoj estos silentigitaj, ni forigos krimulojn, kiuj estas senvaloraj por la regno kaj ni igos la soldatojn pensi dufoje antaŭ ol iri kontraŭ la sistemo. Homoj, kiuj deziris dizerti, kontraŭdiris niajn leĝojn aŭ rifuzis raporti por militservo, estos punitaj kaj devigitaj partopreni la Ludojn de Ĉio, nun nomitaj La Bataloj de Bravo. Ili estas la perfekta elemento por malinstigi estontajn ribelantojn. Kiel vi sugestis, solduloj rajtas konkuri kaj tiel la homoj vidos ilin kiel siajn militistojn, ne siajn agresantojn (I know that you wanted the Games of All to be as they have always been practiced in Sabla Urbo. But you also need to understand that we must adapt them to everyone’s tastes. The other cities practice more violent sports, and the Games of All would not be seen with the same enthusiasm as they are in our city. Moreover, this is the best solution for our current situation. Complaints will be silenced, we will get rid of criminals who are worthless to the kingdom, and we will make the soldiers think twice before going against the system. Men who wanted to desert, contradicted our laws, or refused to report for military service will be punished and forced to participate in the Games of All, now called The Battles of Valor. They are the perfect element to deter future rebels. As you suggested, mercenaries are allowed to compete, and in this way, the people will see them as their warriors, not their aggressors)."

Inísel bit her lip, knowing it was neither the time nor the place to express her true feelings. The crowd, oblivious to the tension in the royal box, cheered and shouted, impatient for the games to begin. Inísel knew that any open disagreement could be seen as a sign of weakness—weakness that other advisors might use against her.

In kune: "Filino, ne maltrankviliĝu. Lia Ŝántruk decidis starigi regulojn por kuraĝaj bataloj. La ludoj permesas al la konkursantoj kapitulaci, do ne ĉio estas tiel kruela kaj perforta (Daughter, do not worry. Your Shántruk has decided to set rules for the Combats of Valor. The games allow participants to surrender, so not everything is so cruel and violent)", her father said in an attempt to calm his daughter's unease.

Inísel glanced at him sideways. She knew surrender meant greater punishment for the participants—a dishonor—and that most would not be permitted to use that escape route.

In kune: "Kompreneble, patro. Estas tre malavara doni al ili la ŝancon kapitulaci, kaj tiam publike vipi ilin per vipo por ilia malkuraĝo (Of course, Father. It’s very generous to give them the chance to surrender, and then publicly flog them for their cowardice)", Inísel murmured, her words laced with bitterness. Her maidservant, Isra, squeezed her shoulder in a gesture of support, reminding her that she was not alone in her thoughts and concerns.

In kune: "Dankon (Thank you)," she whispered to her friend, who simply nodded as she withdrew her hand from the Valkúr’s shoulder.

The Shántruk, satisfied with his wife’s apparent compliance, turned to the other dignitaries, initiating conversations about future alliances and treaties.

In kune: "Nun kiam la bravaj bataloj komenciĝis, ni esperas, ke la aliaj reprezentantoj de la urboj ankaŭ povas veni al Sabla Urbo por ĉeesti la sportojn (Now that the Combats of Valor have begun, we hope that other city representatives will also come to Sabla Urbo to witness the sports)."

Inísel forced herself to maintain a serene facade, watching as the amphitheater arena filled with young combatants, ready to prove their bravery and strength in the brutal Combats of Valor.

The kingdom’s representatives from the cities of La Kvin Urboj chatted animatedly among themselves, exchanging approving looks as they observed the preparation of the combatants. These games, though bloody, seemed to offer an effective solution to their shared problems. Inísel noticed her parents, seated nearby, speaking eloquently with the other city dignitaries, seemingly accepting the changes to the Games of All with ease.

The presenter stepped forward to the center of the arena, raising a golden trumpet. The sound echoed through the amphitheater, silencing the crowd.

In kune: "Gesinjoroj, nobeloj kaj eminentuloj! Bonvenon al la Bataloj de Valoro! (Ladies and gentlemen, nobles and dignitaries! Welcome to the Combats of Valor!)," his voice boomed, and the crowd erupted in deafening cheers.

Inísel closed her eyes for a moment, trying to find calm amidst the chaos. She knew she had to endure this spectacle, even though every moment was a reminder of how her vision had been distorted.

The amphitheater—a magnificent coliseum located on the outskirts of Sabla Urbo—was teeming with life and jubilation as the trumpets announced the start of the Games of All, now transformed into the brutal Combats of Valor. The structure, made of ancient stone with carved details depicting the city's past glories, stood majestically against the clear sky. Spectators filled the stands, their voices blending into a thunderous clamor that reverberated through the amphitheater.

At the center of the arena, the presenter, dressed in a ceremonial robe embroidered with gold, took his position. In his hands, he held a dark wooden vessel intricately carved with designs of the gods, topped with a slit in the lid. The crowd fell silent as the man raised the vessel, eagerly awaiting an explanation of what was to come.

The presenter, with a firm and resonant voice, turned his gaze toward the royal box, where the Shántruk and his entourage watched intently. Inísel, seated next to her husband, tried to maintain a serene expression despite her heart being filled with unease and disapproval. Beside her, her maidservant Isra squeezed her hand discreetly, offering silent support.

In kune: "Civitanoj de Dezertejo, nobeloj kaj vizitantoj de La Kvin Urboj! (Citizens of Erial, nobles, and visitors from La Kvin Urboj!)," the presenter began.

In kune: "Hodiaŭ ni kunvenas por honori la diojn per la Bataloj de Valoro. En ĉi tiu ujo troviĝas la desegnoj de la dioj. Ĉiu ludanto devas eniri sian manon kaj elpreni pecon da papero, sur kiu ili malkovros la destinon, kiun ili devas alfronti (Today, we gather to honor the gods through the Combats of Valor. In this vessel are the designs of the gods. Each player must reach in and draw a piece of paper, on which they will discover the fate they must face)."

The sun shone brightly, reflecting on the waters and creating a glow that made the entire scene seem more epic and grand.

The presenter continued explaining:

In kune: "La kvin specoj de ludoj kiuj estos luditaj hodiaŭ estas honore al niaj dioj. Unue, reprezentante la diinon de la maro, Inísel, ludantoj alfrontos akvajn provojn. Tiam, en honoro de la dio de fajro, Vocat, ili devas montri sian bravecon kaj reziston al la varmeco kaj flamoj. Reprezentante la dion de aero, Nimbus, viaj kapabloj estos elprovitaj en defioj, kiuj postulas lertecon kaj lertecon. Honore al la tera dio, Herbos, via forto kaj kapablo venki fizikajn obstaklojn estos taksitaj. Kaj finfine, reprezentante la dion de lumo, Albor, ili devas montri sian purecon kaj persistemon en kompleksaj situacioj (The five types of games that will be played today are in honor of our gods. First, representing the goddess of the sea, Inísel, players will face water trials. Then, in honor of the god of fire, Vocat, they must demonstrate courage and resistance to heat and flames. Representing the god of air, Nimbus, their skills will be tested in challenges requiring agility and dexterity. In honor of the god of earth, Herbos, their strength and ability to overcome physical obstacles will be evaluated. And finally, representing the god of light, Albor, they must show purity and perseverance in complex situations)."

Each type of trial was designed to be brutal and challenging, ensuring that only the strongest and fittest would survive.

The crowd in the amphitheater fell silent, expectant, as the man began explaining the rules of the trials.

In kune: "La unua ludo, en honoro de la diino de la maro, konsistas el naĝanta vetkuro direkte al markita buo en la maro. Konkursantoj devas naĝi kiel eble plej rapide, uzante ajnan rimedon je sia dispono por esti la unuaj atingi la buon kaj reveni al la marbordo. Ĉiuj konkursantoj, kiuj ne pereas surmare, krom tiu, kiu alvenas la unua, devas batali inter si sur la sablo de la plaĝo ĝis nur unu restas staranta (The first game, in honor of the goddess of the sea, consists of a swimming race toward a marked buoy in the sea. Contestants must swim as fast as possible, using any means at their disposal to be the first to reach the buoy and return to shore. All contestants who do not perish at sea, except the one who arrives first, must fight each other on the sandy beach until only one remains standing)."

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Inísel, seated in the royal box, shivered at the prospect of the violence this trial could unleash. The competitors, desperate to win, would likely resort to brutal tactics.

The presenter’s voice rose again as he explained the fire trial.

In kune: "En la fajrotesto, konkursantoj estos devigitaj marŝi nudpiede trans ampleksan strion de ardantaj ardaĵoj sur la arenplanko. Ili ne povos eliri el la ardaĵoj ĝis ili atingos la alian finon. La unua alveninto estos konsiderata la venkinto, la ceteraj devos alfronti unu la alian per fajraj glavoj ĝis nur unu restos staranta (In the fire trial, contestants will be forced to walk barefoot across an extensive strip of burning embers on the sand floor. They cannot leave the embers until they reach the other end. The first to arrive will be considered the winner, while the others must face each other with flaming swords until only one remains standing)."

The brutality of this trial was palpable, and Inísel felt a pang of concern imagining the suffering the competitors would endure. The winner of this combat, like the others, would suffer severe burns on their feet. It would be a gruesome trial where only two could survive—one as the winner and the other spared their life but returned to captivity.

Next, the presenter detailed the wind or air trial.

In kune: "Konkursantoj uzos arkojn kaj sagojn por pafi birdojn, kiuj estos liberigitaj en la ĉielon super la sablo. La konkuranto kiu sukcesas pafi la plej multajn birdojn estos deklarita la gajninto. La aliaj devas konkuri inter si ĝis nur unu restas staranta. Tamen, se estus egaleco, ĉiuj konkursantoj en la testo devus alfronti unu la alian (Contestants will use bows and arrows to shoot down birds that will be released into the sky above the sand. The competitor who successfully shoots down the most birds will be declared the winner. The others must compete against each other until only one remains standing. However, if there is a tie, all contestants in the trial must face each other)."

Inísel watched with a heavy heart. The first part of the wind trial seemed the least bloody, allowing the victor to step aside, but when it was detailed what would happen to the others and in the event of a tie, the young Valkúr became acutely aware that these trials were designed to foster violence and death.

In kune: "La grunda testo estos tradicia batalo en la areno. La konkursantoj batalos per glavoj kaj kirasoj kontraŭ la aliaj partoprenantoj ĝis nur unu restas staranta. La reguloj permesas ajnan rezulton, de kapitulaco ĝis sveno aŭ mortado en batalo (The earth trial will be a traditional battle in the arena. Contestants will fight with swords and armor against the other participants until only one remains standing. The rules allow any outcome, from surrender to fainting or dying in battle)."

The crowd murmured excitedly at the prospect of these bloody clashes, while Inísel felt increasingly disturbed by the cruelty of the games.

Finally, the presenter described the light trial.

In kune: "Kaj fine, en la lasta provo, la luma provo, la konkursantoj devos forigi ĉiun vestaĵon, kiun ili portas sur sia korpo, restante nudaj sub la pureco de la lumo, kiel la unuan fojon kiam ili naskiĝis, puraj kaj honestaj antaŭ la okuloj de Albor. Iliaj manoj estos ligitaj al bastono, kaj sur la tero, malproksime de ili sed atingebla, restos ponardo. La konkursantoj, ligitaj kaj nudaj, devos provi atingi la ponardon kiel eble plej bone kaj uzi ĝin por liberigi sin. Tiuj, kiuj sukcesos malligi sin devos batali unu la alian per la donitaj armiloj, ĝis nur unu restos staranta (And finally, in the last trial, the light trial, contestants will strip off all clothing they wear, remaining naked under the purity of the light, as the first time they were born, pure and honest before Albor’s eyes. Their hands will be tied to a pole, and on the ground, far from them but within reach, a dagger will be left. The contestants, bound and naked, must attempt to reach the dagger however they can and use it to free themselves. Those who manage to untie themselves must fight each other with the given weapons until only one remains standing)."

The presenter added:

In kune: "Al la venka konkursanto en ĉiu el la testoj estos premiita pluraj stalitaj moneroj, krom la gloro venki la respondan defion kaj, se la dioj tiel deziras, ilian liberecon (The victorious contestant in each of the trials will be awarded several stalite coins, in addition to the glory of overcoming the corresponding challenge and, if the gods so desire, their freedom)."

The crowd roared and applauded enthusiastically upon hearing the rules of the trials, eager to witness the spectacle of violence that would unfold before them. Inísel, with a heavy heart, looked at her husband, the Shántruk, and saw in his eyes the determination of a man who believed he was doing the best for his kingdom. Inísel could no longer contain her indignation…

In kune: "Ĉi tio estas sovaĝa, Via Ŝántruk, vi devas tuj ĉesigi ĉi tiujn ludojn (This is savage, Your Shántruk, you must stop these games immediately!)," she began, causing everyone in the box to look at her, most with disapproval. Reynard, knowing that his daughter would only cause difficulties in the fragile agreements with the other cities if she continued like this, decided to intervene.

In kune: "Filino, ne diru tion. La ludoj estas dizajnitaj por plaĉi al civitanoj kaj korekti la malbonan konduton de la plej ĝenaj krimuloj. Ĉi tiuj provoj estis modifitaj por unuigi la malsimilajn kulturojn de la kvin urboj (Daughter, do not say that. The games are designed to please the citizens and correct the bad behavior of the most troublesome criminals. These trials have been modified to unify the disparate cultures of the five cities)."

However, Inísel turned and looked at each noble belonging to the other cities.

In kune: "Kaj tial ni ĉiam estis en konstantaj malkonsentoj. Ĉi tiu perforto ne estas sana por nia popolo. La konkursantoj, kiuj partoprenos, estos devigitaj sperti terurajn turmentojn, kiujn iuj ne meritas. Estas vere, ke inter la konkursantoj estas krimuloj, kiuj faris abomenajn agojn, kaj ili devas esti punitaj laŭ siaj agoj. Tamen estas partoprenantoj, kies krimo estis malkonsenti kun la lastatempe trudita militservo kaj niaj estontaj planoj por konkero. Asignante ĉiun ludanton al sia responda testo, ni traktas ĉiujn egale ni punas murdinton same kiel ribelanto; Se ni pripensas, ĉu ni traktos ĉiun kondamniton same? En la kazo de tiuj, kiuj rifuzis aliĝi al la militservo, ĉu ni kondamnas nian popolon pro esprimado de siaj opinioj? Ĉu ĉi tion ni volas por Erial? Puni homojn pro elparolado, pro rifuzo sekvi maljustan leĝon? Ĉu ni volas turni nian regnon en lokon plenan de perforto kaj detruo (And that is why we have always been in constant disagreement. This violence is not healthy for our people. The contestants who will participate will be forced to endure terrible torments that some do not deserve. It is true that among the contestants there are criminals who have committed atrocious acts, and they must be punished according to their actions. However, there are participants whose crime was disagreeing with the recently imposed military service and our future plans for conquest. By assigning each player to their respective trial, we are treating everyone equally; we penalize a murderer the same as a dissenter. If we reflect, are we going to treat every convict the same? In the case of those who refused to join the military service, are we condemning our people for expressing their opinions? Is this what we want for Erial? Punishing people for speaking out, for refusing to follow an unjust law? Do we want to turn our kingdom into a place full of violence and destruction?)."

Everyone stared at Inísel indignantly, and a dignitary voiced his opinion…

In kune: "Se mi estus vi, mi observus kion vi diras, knabineto. Vi estas virino kaj eĉ se vi estas la Valkúr, vi devus scii vian lokon. Ĉi tie vi ne rajtas doni vian opinion kaj en mia urbo tia malmodesteco estus punita per puno konforma al via kulpo. Do, atentu vian langon, se vi daŭrigos tiel, vi eble perdos ĝin (If I were you, I would watch what you say, brat. You are a woman and even if you are the Valkúr, you should know your place. Here you have no right to give your opinion and in my city, such insolence would be punished with a penalty appropriate to your fault. So, watch your tongue, if you continue like this, you might lose it…)."

Inísel gritted her teeth, feeling a fierce rage swirling inside her. The buzz of the exaltation from the spectators in the stands faded in her ears, dulling them and letting her burning anger begin to consume her heart. Unnoticed by anyone, her emerald-green eyes sparkled with a fiery glint, her irises gradually adorned with an unusual flame.

In kune: "Kiel vi aŭdacas (How dare you...)" —however, before the strange condition in her vision became more noticeable, her husband interrupted her.

In kune: "Sufiĉas (That's enough)," said the Shántruk. Inísel turned to him, thinking she would receive a reprimand for her behavior. In kune: "Se vi denove malrespektos mian edzinon tiel, mi ordonos al miaj soldatoj forpeli vin el mia regno. Mi senigos vin de ĉiuj noblaj titoloj kaj devigos vin vagi en la dezerto ĝis elĉerpiĝo konsumos vian korpon. Neniu forgesu, ke mi estas via Shántruk kaj mia edzino, via Valkúr. Ŝi meritas la plej grandan respekton kaj korecon (If you ever disrespect my wife like that again, I will order my soldiers to banish you from my kingdom. I will strip you of all noble titles and force you to wander the desert until exhaustion consumes your body. Let no one forget that I am your Shántruk and my wife, your Valkúr. She deserves the utmost respect and courtesy)."

The noble dignitaries from the other cities looked at one another, their brows furrowed, but none dared contradict their Shántruk’s will. Reynard, knowing that the unity of the five cities was still fragile and needed to be strengthened, decided to intervene.

In kune: "Nu, Darskárs, ni ne eniru nun en politikajn diskutojn. Ni ĝuu la amuzon. La bataloj de kuraĝo estas komenconta (Well, Darskárs, let's not get into political discussions now. Let's enjoy the entertainment. The Combats of Valor are about to begin…)."

Immediately, the nobles seemed to agree with Reynard’s words and soon nodded in approval.

The Shántruk, noticing the unease in Inísel’s eyes, took her hand and whispered softly to her:

In kune: "Mi scias, mia Valkúr, ke tio ne estas tio, kion vi deziris por nia popolo. Sed vi devas kompreni, ke ĝi estas ŝanco, kiun ni ne povas malŝpari. La Bataloj de Valoro plifortigos nian regnon kaj konservos la homojn distritajn kaj obeemajn. Foje perforto alportas pacon (I know, my Valkúr, that this is not what you wanted for our people. But you must understand that it is an opportunity we cannot waste. The Combats of Valor will strengthen our kingdom and keep people entertained and obedient. Sometimes, violence brings peace)."

Inísel nodded, but her mind was in conflict. She squeezed the Shántruk’s hand and looked at him with distress. She felt that Theodric sought the best solution to please his people, and although Inísel shared his will, she could not accept that the Combats of Valor were being used as a means to bring peace.

Once the presenter had finished explaining what the new and brutal Games of All entailed, he looked towards the royal box, seeking the Shántruk’s permission to continue. The monarch, seated on his throne with an expression of severity and determination, nodded slowly, giving his consent. The presenter raised a hand, and instantly, the horns echoed throughout the amphitheater, their deep and vibrant notes bouncing off the stone walls and filling the air with a call to action.

The crowd roared with excitement, their voices blending into a deafening clamor of enthusiasm and anticipation. Spectators leaned forward in their seats, eyes gleaming and eager smiles on their faces as they awaited the sight of the contestants, troublesome men who had been selected to face the deadly trials. Inísel, watching from her place beside the Shántruk, felt a mix of sadness and apprehension. She could not help but mourn the loss of the original spirit of the Games of All, which once celebrated unity and peaceful sport.

The remaining contestants began to appear, one by one, entering the arena from the dark tunnels extending beneath the amphitheater. They were a mix of men, from young to more robust and adult, with tense muscles and faces marked by determination and fear. Each carried an expression of resolve, aware of the dangers they faced, but also knowing they had no choice but to prove their worth to the gods and the gathered crowd.

The presenter, standing in the center of the arena, held the carved vessel bearing the symbols of the gods. He raised his voice once more, resonating with authority:

In kune: "Ke la dioj elektu vian destinon! (Let the gods choose your fate!)" he exclaimed, inviting the contestants to approach and place their hands inside the box.